Karen Aldous - The Vineyard

‘No. I need to tie up all the loose ends, I won’t move down for a few more weeks. Mid July or thereabouts.’

‘Well stay here and take your time looking for an apartment. We’ll sort something out. There’s no point in rushing into something. I’ll help you and you can spend some time getting to know the salon and the business.’

‘Thanks. That sounds like a good plan.’

‘I’ve been doing some thinking, since I returned from visiting my mother, I mean, and since you announced your plans. I think I was overdramatic about the land, my inheritance.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, put it this way, am I honestly going to return to England?’

‘Tricky one as you now seem so settled here.’

‘Exactly. I’ve moved on from my girlish dreams.’

‘I think it was the circumstances too. It was natural to feel betrayed, especially as you had just learned of your Grandfather’s death. I think I would have reacted the same. And, to be honest, if you were there, I’m sure your mother would have consulted you.’

‘Oh I’m not saying I would trust my mum a jot. I’m not so sure she would have wanted my input but I know this. I began this business as a necessity. I was probably just fortunate in that it was an area I was familiar with. I was always trying out new make-up and creams. Mum always had products sent to her as a magazine beauty editor.’ Lizzie suddenly faltered with an unexpected surge of emotion as she recollected childhood dreams and her grandfather. She wiped the corners of her eyes. ‘Sorry. My point is, that from messing about I’ve built mine and Thierry’s future, so being realistic, I’m never going to go home and make a life there as a riding school instructor, mucking out other people’s horses. Not when I’m happy here.’

‘Well that is how I would read it too. You ok?’

‘Fine. It happens now and again. I just choke up.’ Lizzie sniffed. ‘I, with you, want to grow this business. I feel rather stupid. Mum was right. I’ve not taken any interest in it. I don’t think I can remember how to ride a horse anymore let alone run an equestrian centre.’

At that moment, the telephone rang and Lizzie grabbed the phone and then headed towards the open terrace doors. ‘Ok. We can go down and meet the agent at three o’clock,’ she told Sophie. ‘This is so exciting!’

‘Please don’t get your hopes up too much. It’s still down to finances and work, remember. And, what if the cosmetic surgery side doesn’t take off?’

‘Oh and birds don’t have feathers?’ said Lizzie locking up the terrace doors. ‘Of course it will. Who else has all this under one roof? We have the best beauticians, currently working to capacity, and I’ve got more wanting to come in. Good people too.’

‘Really? I do need to get to know this business more.’

‘It will come Sophie, the knowledge will come.’

‘I hope so.’

‘Here, could you note down any repairs you think we need to do?’ Lizzie asked with a wry smile. ‘Hopefully we can make some assessment of expenditure.’

Outside the premises they met Monsieur Tasse, the commercial agent, waiting in a casual pair of khaki trousers smartened with a navy cloth jacket. In his arms was a file topped with a form. He greeted them both and then presented the folder to Lizzie.

‘I just need you to sign here before we go in,’ he told her.

‘Brilliant. Did you bring a legal pack with you?’

‘Yes, some basics and I will explain things as we go round.’

As they shuffled around behind Monsieur Tasse, Lizzie took photos and made notes on what changes she could visualise in the space and Sophie, as Lizzie instructed, noted the areas needing work.

Armed with their photos and lists, they set off back to Lizzie’s apartment, expressing to Monsieur Tasse their interest and that they would let him know, as soon as possible. There was no doubt of its potential. The ground and first floors would add more than adequate work space but the basement was disappointing in that it needed so much work.

In eager chatter they returned to a light tea with Thierry, who happily relayed news of the contents of his packed suitcase. Lizzie packed some final items for their trip to the Luberon and set them aside ready to put in the car for the morning.

‘We might as well have some time out,’ Lizzie said, throwing the last bag down in the hall. ‘Let’s celebrate our new venture. Go over our plans.’

‘Sounds good to me, although I thought you’d want an early night as we are off early tomorrow,’ challenged Sophie.

‘I’m too excited to sleep.’

‘Me too.’ Sophie threw back her shoulders and punched her fists in the air. ‘Whoa, I’m so happy.’

‘Oh, it’s fabulous. A lot of money but… and, I should really get some sleep, but hey ho, I’m in holiday mode now. I really need this break although, I have to say, my girls have worked very hard too. Do you know, most of the Cannes salon staff have worked from seven in the morning ’til nine and ten at night during the events?’

‘I can believe it. This place is a ‘glamour magnet’ attracting so many people. Well I’ll be here for it all next year. I can’t wait! I’ll get to hang out here during next year’s film festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. That’s a huge mix of people and hopefully they’ll all be spending money!’

‘Well Monaco is bloody expensive and is just a few stops on the train so Cannes probably accommodates more people than Monaco that week.’

‘Well I know where I’d rather stay.’

‘Nothing to do with your budget then darling?’ asked Lizzie, wryly.

‘Jest you may, but no. I don’t really get Monaco.’

‘Maybe you will when we’ve built this business big enough!’ Lizzie jibed, ‘But yes it can seem a bit sterile most of the year. I hear there are so many lovely places along this coastline and, of course in the hills. I still haven’t got out much to explore the area and I’ve been living here nearly four years!’

‘Liven up,’ Sophie squeezed her friend’s arm, ‘Can’t you find time to get out whilst you’re bringing up a baby and building an empire? Slacking or what?’

Lizzie giggled. ‘Well, at least I, or we, are addressing it, are we not? Sooo…exciting eh?’ She grabbed Sophie’s arm and they ran out of the apartment and marched along the narrow street. ‘Bonnieux tomorrow. I feel like an excited child all over again.’

‘I’m really looking forward to just spending time with you and Thierry. He is such a sweetie. You have done a great job with him Lizzie. And, he is so cute. I’ve never seen a boy so beautiful.’

‘Well, I’m biased I know but yes, he is beautiful. I also think Marie-Claire is extremely good with him. I was lucky to have found her. I think I told you, she’s Betty’s niece. She learned fast and is firm but fair with him where behaviour is concerned. She also has an uncanny knack for being able to get down on his level. She plays with him like a responsible big sister.’

‘I agree you’ve been fortunate, particularly as I’ve heard it’s rare to keep a good au pair, but you have to take credit too.’

‘I’ve never really thought about it. Any of it. I just moved to France, got pregnant, had a child and built up a beauty business. All I know is that when we came down to Cannes, I was hooked. This place just felt right. I knew when I discovered I was pregnant, I was going to settle here and provide for us both.’

‘You’ll be telling me next you planned the baby!’ Sophie teased as they now weaved back along the Rue Antibes.

‘Ha. Ha. I don’t think I could have planned such a perfect outcome as this. Well, I don’t know now what’s going to happen with Anton. I really couldn’t imagine him having access to Thierry. It just doesn’t seem natural.’